FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18th, 2025
December 1, 2025
NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE: WCCUSD RESPONDS TO UTR'S RECENT STRIKE ANNOUNCEMENT
Dear WCCUSD Community,
Tonight, we were informed that the United Teachers of Richmond, our teachers’ union, plans to begin a strike on Thursday, December 4. This news is difficult for all of us, but I want to be very clear: our schools will stay open during the strike, and we are prepared to support every student who comes to school.
Over the past weeks, we have had many honest and hard conversations with UTR to try to reach an agreement. Tonight, we offered a 3% salary increase—more than the State’s LCFF cost-of-living adjustment—and improvements to health benefits for this year and next, based largely on recommendations in the State’s independent Factfinding Report. We made this offer even though our District is already spending millions more each year than we receive in revenue.
I have been here for less than six months, and I have listened closely to our teachers. I understand the frustration many feel. I share their concerns about keeping our schools fully staffed, improving pay so teachers want to stay, reducing the cost of outside services, and giving stronger support to all students, including those with special needs.
But a strike will not fix these problems. A strike takes teachers out of classrooms, harms relationships, and can make it harder to keep strong educators. It will not improve our budget and may deepen our deficit. And it will interrupt essential services for students with special needs—students who rely on us the most. I understand why people are frustrated, but a strike does not solve the challenges we face and may make them harder to overcome.
I understand our staff's needs and frustrations. But I am heartbroken for our students. They deserve stability, care, and a learning environment where adults work together. I believe that even in this difficult moment, we can find a better path—one built on trust, honesty, and real long-term solutions for our children.
Again, all schools will remain open. We will provide safe and supportive classrooms, and we will continue to serve meals for students who depend on us. It will not feel like a normal day, but we will be here for every child who comes to school.
Finally, I ask our whole community to remember that children are watching and listening. Please show them that people can disagree and still treat one another with respect. Whether you are on the picket line or reporting to work, please help us ensure that no student feels uncomfortable or unwelcome at school. Our children deserve calm, kindness, and support as we work through this together.
Please visit our website at www.wccusd.net for more information about our school operations during the strike.
In Community,
Cheryl Cotton
Superintendent
West Contra Costa School District
The media is welcome to use this information as they see fit. The District Negotiations Webpage is also available for more information.
About WCCUSD:
West Contra Costa Unified School District serves more than 24,000 students across 54 schools in the cities of El Cerrito, Hercules, Pinole, Richmond, San Pablo, and unincorporated areas of Kensington, El Sobrante, Tara Hills, and Montalvin. WCCUSD is committed to excellent instruction, safe and welcoming schools, and equitable opportunities for every student. Learn more at www.wccusd.net.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Raechelle Forrest 510.231.1196 office/510.778.6420 mobile